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Crime

Pembrokeshire motorists warned of fake parking QR code scam

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PEMBROKESHIRE’S motorists are being warned to stay vigilant after reports surfaced of a new scam involving fake QR codes on parking signs. The scam, which has been dubbed “quishing,” has been reported across the UK, with Pembrokeshire being among the areas affected.

This month, RAC issued a nationwide alert urging drivers not to use QR codes to pay for parking, following a rise in incidents where fraudulent codes lead to websites that steal personal data and bank details. Councils, including Pembrokeshire County Council, have confirmed that they do not use QR codes for parking payments and have encouraged residents to be cautious.

The warning comes after Yori Evans, a 19-year-old local resident, fell victim to the scam at a car park outside Pembrokeshire County Council’s offices in Haverfordwest. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Evans recounted his experience: “I scanned the QR code, entered my details and paid, but it didn’t work correctly, so I downloaded the app and paid there instead.”

However, the next morning, Mr Evans discovered that £60 had been withdrawn from his account by a fraudulent website. “I was confused when the money left my account,” he said. “I cancelled my card immediately, and the day after, they tried to take another £57.99, but luckily the card had been cancelled.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has since reiterated that it does not use QR codes for payment in its car parks. A spokesperson for the council advised: “We encourage anyone who finds a QR code in our car parks to report it to us immediately. Customers should use the PayByPhone app, which is the official method for paying in our car parks.”

The scam has also been reported in other parts of the UK, including Northumberland and Barking and Dagenham in east London. It has even been seen at some electric vehicle charging stations.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, highlighted the dangers of this new type of scam: “The increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers. For some, this sadly means a Quick Response code could, in fact, be a ‘quick route’ to losing money.”

Williams also warned that motorists could face additional fines if they are unaware that they haven’t paid for parking after being scammed: “As if this quishing scam isn’t nasty enough, it can also lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don’t realise they haven’t paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.”

To avoid falling victim to such scams, motorists are advised to check that QR codes have not been stuck over official information and to ensure that the URL they are directed to is legitimate, carrying the padlock symbol in the browser. The RAC continues to advocate for the availability of traditional payment methods, as many drivers still prefer to pay with cash or card rather than relying on mobile apps.

Local authorities and the RAC are urging the public to remain cautious and to report any suspicious QR codes found in car parks. As the move towards digital payments accelerates, the importance of educating oneself about potential scams has never been greater.

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

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A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

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Crime

Repeat offender jailed for breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order

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A SERIAL offender who repeatedly defied a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been handed a three-year prison sentence following his latest breaches while living in Pembrokeshire.

Adrian John Thomas, 31, of no fixed abode, was originally made subject to a SHPO and notification requirements in 2017 after being convicted of offences involving a 14-year-old girl. Despite the restrictions imposed on him, Thomas has shown a persistent pattern of non-compliance.

The latest sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 19) addressed four fresh breaches of the SHPO and one count of failing to meet notification requirements.

Following his release from prison in October 2023, Thomas initially registered at an approved address in Swansea. By January, he had moved to Pembrokeshire and declared himself as having no fixed address to the police.

However, it later emerged that he had moved in with his mother, who resides in sheltered housing, without notifying authorities of his change in circumstances—a direct violation of his notification requirements.

While living with his mother, Thomas took control of her iPhone, setting up a PIN and facial recognition lock without her consent. He then used the device to create multiple social media accounts, including Instagram, Gmail, and Facebook profiles, all in clear breach of his SHPO terms.

The court heard how Thomas’s actions left his mother feeling distressed and powerless in her own home.

Prosecutors revealed Thomas’s extensive criminal history, including eight previous convictions spanning 15 offences. Between February 2019 and October 2022 alone, he breached the SHPO 11 times and once failed to comply with notification requirements, resulting in multiple prison sentences.

In mitigation, the defence argued that Thomas had shown remorse and was struggling with his mental health. They claimed he had no viable housing options other than moving in with his mother or living in a tent.

Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a stark assessment of the defendant’s repeated disregard for court orders.

“Your track record shows a persistent determination to flout the Sexual Harm Prevention Order placed on you after a serious child sexual offence conviction,” the judge said.

“You have breached this order and notification requirements time and time again. You misled the police about your living arrangements, manipulated your mother’s phone despite her pleas, and did so while on licence from a previous sentence.”

The judge concluded: “You seem entirely undeterred by the consequences of your actions.”

Thomas was sentenced to three years in prison, with a review of the SHPO’s duration scheduled for January.

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Crime

Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

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A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).

The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.

The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.

“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.

“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.

“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”

The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

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